CF-74 CPU Upgradable?

Can I upgrade the CPU in a CF-74 or is it soldered to the motherboard?

 

It's soldered.

 

I believe it's Soldered to the motherboard. I know the 73 series is.

Yep it is.

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Panasonic-Toughbook-CF-74-Laptop-DL3UP1518AAA-Intel-1-83GHz-Motherboard-Tested-/00/s/MTA3MVgxNjAw/$(KGrHqZ,!lQE6CImlldfBOs,1QoVuQ~~60_57.JPG

Now with that being said what MK are we dealing with. There are several motherboards on ebay under 50 bucks.

 

Thank you!

 

yeah, I went down that path a while back hoping for another cf-51 mk3 type adventure with cpu upgrades and the like. Looks like for now there are no more heroes till we can figure out a way or find another model to EXPAND the possibilities. I wonder why the cf-51 mk3 was the only one to do this? The cf-74 is a nice model, got two myself..Driller

 

Yes I remember that...we all were hoping . I was almost ready to hit the button when someone had to spoil it ...dammit

 

BGA rework is commonplace these days - even small local computer shops have the equipment.
If you make sure the heatsink can still work efficiently you could even replace the existing BGA CPU with a BGA socket and plug in your new PGA CPU.
Fitting a socket removes the risk of wrecking your new CPU in the BGA process but not the risk of the heatsink proving inadequate...

 

Wouldn't one need to check to see if there would be enough space to fit both the BGA socket and the cpu under the heatsink? Ie would the addition of the BGA socket make the stack of socket-cpu-heatsink too tall for the laptop case? Or possibly interfere with heat transfer because airflow around the heat sink was disrupted? I like the idea of this, just wondering why it isn't already being done if it's not too complicated...

 

Yes, that was what I meant by "if you make sure the heatsink can still work efficiently." Sorry, could have explained that better, was trying to be brief.

I don't have a 74 to check if there's room but I do have a 52 which will have a socket fitted once I've finished at least some of the other jobs screaming to be done, e.g. Nikon D2x rebuild and service my silent compressor this afternoon, tomorrow rebuild a rear caliper on the Trooper. Brake disc was 200C after 5 miles on Friday. Not good.
Already got the socket and a T8300 ready for the 52 and with a little work it will fit. It's important that the heatsink plate sits flat on the CPU for good heat transfer of course. I'll use Plastigauge (Plastigage in USA?) to confirm alignment.

 

Sounds like a plan I'm guessing you have a MK1 since the new processor has an 800FSB? Pictures of the process to do this would rock!

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the ONLY Toughbook that has an upgradable/non-soldered CPU the CF-51?

 

The CPU in the CF-48,50 is also upgradable. I know all of the CF-50 are and the Pentium M CF-48 is. I am not sure about the Pentium 3 CF-48 versions are. Also I was under the impression that you can upgrade the CF-25 but I am not sure.

EDIT: Looks like the CF-72 can. The P4 Models yes to all, P3 models I think the Mk2 up can, unconfirmed.

 

If one had the setup to do BGA stuff doesn't any Toughbook become upgradeable with the cpu limits being the motherboard chipset/bios and the heatsink/fan's ability to keep a faster cpu cool enough? And in the case of the CF-29 and other models that have soldered RAM memory, again it would depend on the motherboard chipset/bios, right? Also possible power requirements but I'd guess that probably wouldn't be an issue.

 

Personally if I could find someone to do the work that had the proper machine I wouldn't mind trying a CF-18/29 up a little bigger CPU to see how it would run. I have extra motherboard for the CF-18 and CF-29 that I haven't looked at yet to see why the back light won't work. They would be prime for that.

 

OK guys, you're starting to make me drool again and it ain't senility this time...Driller

 

Well then anyone know anyone with a the right equipment to do it? If so it will be time to talk price and research CPU'S

 

Sure do...our friend xboxhaxorz is back...check his thread out . http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/662318-toughbook-cpu-upgrades-bga-rework.html

 

I want to disassemble my CF-74 and install i3,or i5 core new upgraded motherboard a 256 SSD or larger,modern CPU,et. all modern stuff. and touch screen if I can? Any suggestions? How about costs? I want to turn it into a beast.Thanks for any help.:thumbsup:

 

Welcome to the Toughbook forum
Anything can be done for a price...you have deep pockets or go buy a new or used CF-52 or 53 with i5 and touchscreen cheaper :thumbsup: